Hustler Words – General Motors (GM) has unveiled a groundbreaking battery technology poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market. Their new lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery chemistry promises significantly lower costs while delivering impressive driving range, potentially making EVs more accessible to a wider consumer base. This announcement, made via hustlerwords.com, signals a major shift in the EV landscape.
GM claims its LMR batteries will achieve over 400 miles of range in trucks while dramatically reducing production costs. This addresses a key challenge in the EV industry: balancing affordability with performance. Currently, GM’s Chevrolet Silverado EV, boasting a 492-mile range, carries a hefty price tag exceeding $73,000. While a cheaper LFP battery variant is planned, it compromises range, dropping to 350 miles. The LMR technology aims to bridge this gap, offering substantial cost reductions without sacrificing significant range.
The cost savings stem from the use of manganese, a more abundant and less expensive material than cobalt and nickel, which are currently dominant in high-performance EV batteries. The LMR chemistry will utilize significantly less cobalt and nickel, relying instead on a higher percentage of manganese (60-70%). This reduces reliance on these critical minerals, which are not readily sourced domestically in the US.
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Previous attempts at manganese-rich batteries have faced challenges with rapid degradation. However, GM asserts that it has overcome these hurdles through extensive research and development, experimenting with various materials and manufacturing processes. A key innovation is the adoption of prismatic cells, replacing the pouch cells used in current Ultium batteries. This structural change alone is projected to reduce the number of battery pack components by over 50%, further contributing to cost savings.
GM plans to integrate LMR batteries across its EV lineup, positioning LFP batteries for entry-level vehicles and reserving high-nickel NMC batteries for applications demanding extended range and high energy density. The new cells will be produced by Ultium Cells, GM’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution, leveraging billions of dollars already invested in US battery manufacturing. While LG may develop its own LMR technology, GM holds over 50 patents related to this chemistry.
The company has produced around 300 large-format LMR cells, undergoing rigorous testing equivalent to 1.5 million miles of driving. Despite the ambitious 2028 target for mass production, GM expresses confidence in its ability to modify existing facilities and scale production efficiently, learning from past challenges with Ultium cell scaling. The readily available supply chain for LMR materials further bolsters their optimistic outlook. This innovative technology could significantly accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, making them a more practical and affordable choice for a broader market.
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